Get ready to dance! Although an unfamiliar style to some, klezmer is a music that has an undeniable folk sound that is combined with rhythms of dance. This musical style uses instruments to imitate the laughter and/or weeping of the human voice and is most often heard during times of merriment. Read below to learn more, and to listen to some recordings at the end.

This week Classical Music Indy continues to honor Jewish American Heritage Month by taking a look at “the most original musical thinker of our time” – Steve Reich. Over the course of his 60 year career, Reich has helped pioneer and develop American Minimalism and Postminimalism, through the innovative use of phasing and electronics. Read below about Reich’s life and how his Jewish heritage influenced his work.

My Music. My Story. is one of Classical Music Indy’s initiatives to feature music, musicians, and music lovers in a fun way. To honor Jewish American Heritage Month, we spoke with Cantor Janice L. Roger, from the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC). She has been the Cantor with the IHC for 38 years and will be retiring from the position this year. Cantor Roger discusses her love of music, how it is used throughout her work at the IHC, and why she decided to serve her community through music.